to reel
Present Participle
reeling
Past Tense
reeled
Past Participle
reeled
1
to have trouble keeping one's balance and be at the risk of falling
- After spinning around rapidly, the dancer began to reel, struggling to regain their balance.
- The hiker, exhausted from the steep ascent, started to reel on the uneven terrain.
- As the ship encountered rough waves, passengers began to reel.
- After a prolonged spinning game, the children reeled, giggling and trying to steady themselves.
- In the aftermath of the earthquake, people stumbled out of buildings, reeling from the sudden tremors.
2
to rotate or move in a circular or revolving manner
- The ballerina gracefully reeled across the stage, twirling in a series of pirouettes.
- The child reeled in excitement, spinning around with arms outstretched.
- As the helicopter descended, its rotor blades reeled.
- The cyclist reeled downhill, enjoying the thrill of speed and movement.
Synonyms:
3
to wind something, such as a line, thread, or tape, onto a reel
transitive
- The videographer carefully reeled the film onto the spool.
- The angler patiently reeled the fishing line in, bringing the catch closer to the boat.
- The technician reeled the extension cord onto the reel, tidying up the workspace.
- The gardener reeled the hose onto the reel after watering the plants in the garden.
- The climber carefully reeled the rope onto the climbing reel after reaching the summit.